Lillian “Lil” James was born in Toledo, Ohio on May 30, 1926, of Greek immigrant parents. She was known in her community by her Greek name, Elipiniki, and was called “Niki” by those who knew her best. She was proud of her culture and spoke Greek fluently.

When the Greek music started, she was always the first one on the dance floor. Gifted with a beautiful voice, she became a professional singer, performing on radio and in nightclubs in Detroit.

She was very proud to have been the opening act for Danny Thomas and many others. She married her first husband, Jack Canaan, in Detroit in 1947. They moved to Southern California shortly after and raised four children in Pacific Beach.

She was active in politics, working with Jack on many campaigns, including James Roosevelt’s bid for governor, former California Senate President Pro Tem Jimmy Mills and numerous San Diego campaigns for local judges and council members.

In the 1960s, Lil discovered her real passion, astrology, which she practiced professionally until right before her death. Her clients included local politicians, socialites and national celebrities who relied on her for her knowledge of the stars and general sage advice.

“Lil was more than just my personal astrologer, she was also a good friend, who gave me hope as I battled cancer,” said Julie Aigner Clark, founder of Baby Einstein and a client of Mrs. Mulonas’ for many years. “Her words were always inspiring and truthful, as I’ve been cancer free for seven years now.”

She wrote an astrology advice column for the Sentinel and appeared as a panelist on the local television show, “What’s my Sign?” She was also the resident astrologer on former San Diego station KSDO in the late 1970s and early ’80s, offering quick astrological readings to callers to the show. She was often invited to speak on astrology at social gatherings and conventions, where she amazed guests with her knowledge and insight.

“There was nothing she enjoyed more than a good chat with those who were near and dear to her, and to those who sought her sage wisdom,” said Chris Canaan, her oldest son, who is an Emmy Award-winning writer in Los Angeles.

In 1999, she was blessed with a reunion of her girlhood sweetheart, Nick Mulonas, who was literally “the boy next door.” They had been engaged briefly in 1944, but fate decreed that their unique and remarkable love was to be savored in their later years. They eloped in 2000 and were married in Michigan. For years, they enjoyed the great adventure of driving back and forth in their state-of-the-art RV from San Diego to Detroit where Nick’s family lived.

Mrs. Mulonas passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, of complications from COPD at her home in University City on July 16. She was 87.

“Mom was reassuring and inspirational to all who knew her,” said her daughter, Mary Wilson. “She could bring a silver lining to the darkest cloud and turn a frown into a smile with an encouraging word.”

In addition to her husband Nick, son Chris and daughter Mary Wilson of Lake Arrowhead, she is survived by sons John Canaan of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Robert Canaan of San Diego; and 11 grandchildren. A private service was held in her home on July 21. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who knew and loved her to toast to her new journey. Opa!